Top ten Bears that need not return in 2009

10. Patrick Mannelly

Ha, just kidding. Who doesn't love the proprietor of the Web's best long snapping site? Do you think P-Man designed that snazzy intro himself?

9. Jason McKie

Is it possible that McKie is kind of like Milton from Office Space? There is no reason the Bears should actually have been paying him the last five years. Must be some kind of glitch in the system. For their next fullback, I suggest Jerry Angelo targets a guy with a more thorough Wikipedia page.

8. Nathan Vasher

Maybe it's not all Nate Dogg's fault he can't stay on the field. When he plays, he's pretty good. But the Bears need some cap space to find help on offense, and Vasher hasn't earned the five year, $28 million extension he signed a couple years ago. That's the kind of thing that happens when you miss 19 games the last two seasons.

7. Kevin Jones

Sort of like how the Sox should just stay away from any Royals relievers, I think it'd be a good idea if the Bears to steer clear of anyone drafted by Matt Millen.

6. Mark Anderson

Since Week Five of 2007, Anderson has just two sacks. And to think, this guy was handed a starting spot over the great Alex Brown.

5. Marty Booker

As long as Jerry Angelo is bringing back receivers from my youth, why not give Marcus Robinson another go around? I guarantee he'd fare better than Booker did this year, and, who knows, at this point he might finally be healthy. Or not. Either way he's way cooler than f'n Marty Booker.

4. Rex Grossman

We know this much: even though he no longer plays, Rex is still the suckiest suck that ever sucked. Whatever the opposite of intangibles is, that's what Grossman brings to the Bears every day, in meetings, practices, and on game days. He's like the anti-Derek Jeter (though only slightly worse defensively). Just getting rid of Rex will be like a huge weight lifted off everyone's shoulders. Plus, I kind of like the fact that his replacement waiting in the wings, Caleb Hanie, seems to be the complete ethical opposite of Grossman and Orton. Less throwgasms, more Hail Mary's.

3. Mike Brown

I appreciate what Brown has done in Chicago as much as anyone, but, really, he should have been sent packing three years ago. Lost in all the injury hubbub is the fact that Brown's play clearly declined this year as well. I'm not sure if Craig Steltz is the answer, but I know Brown isn't. Would anyone else like a little Taylor Mays in their life next season? Phil, I'm looking at you.

2. Rashied Davis

Rashied Davis couldn't catch a cold, which is rather unfortunate because if he only had the flu, I doubt Lovie Smith would continue to put him on the field, which, in turn, would mean less dropped passes for Kyle Orton. It's science.

1. Bob Babich

Terrible game planning + lack of halftime/mid-season adjustments + limited Wikipedia page = FAIL.

Top Ten Chicago sports New Year resolutions

As the year ends many of us are trying to decide what our New Year resolutions will be. I did some research (take note Woody Paige) and found the worlds top ten New Year resolutions according to goalsguy.com. Each is a solid resolution and, most importantly, should also help some of our Chicago sports stars, GMs and coaches in 2009. Editors warning: there may be a lot of Bob Babich hate.

10. Get Organized

Jerry Angelo, you have a lot of work to do this off-season. You need to decide on your coaching staff (Bob Babich). You need to either draft or trade for a stud wide receiver. You need to sure up your offensive line and decide who on your roster is dispensable. Get your crap together. This off-season will decide the Bears future for the next five years. Figure it out.

9. Volunteer and Help Others

I think this is mandatory for Cedric Benson.

8. Learn Something New

This applies to Bob Babich and Ron Turner. Babich believes in the cover two. Now that is fine in you have the talent and personnel. However, the Bears showed every week that they did not. Unfortunately, Babich did not change his play calls or try to make any sort of real personnel adjustment. Something needs to change.

There really never seemed to be any kind of “whoa, what was that”-type play all season with Turner as the play caller. It was all pretty straight forward. A lot of it has to do with the lack of a playmaker at the wide out position, but a lot has to do with Turner’s rather safe play calling. Open it up a little, find a wide out this off-season and become a decent offense.

6. Quit Smoking

Can this be directed at anyone other than Joakim Noah? Didn’t think so. Hey, Joakim, stop getting high. After years of personal research I have determined that getting high leads to two things; binge eating and staring at things. Unless Noah has some magical reaction to weed that makes him do things like workout and practice low post moves then, Joakim, by all means keep ripping that bong. But if it has the same affect as it does to anyone I know, then lay off the pipe and start actually working towards being a relatively decent NBA center. I mean Aaron Gray is outplaying you. AARON GRAY!?!?!?!?

5. Find My Soul Mate

Kyle Orton has shown he is a decent quarterback considering the tools he has around him. The Bears offense might seriously be a high quality receiver away from being better than average. The Bears front office needs to find Orton’s receiving soul mate this off-season. I mean Forte cannot be their leading receiver again, ever. That’s just sad.

4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends

This one is for Bob Babich. He needs to go and the Bears need to allow him to follow this resolution. Let him go, let him enjoy his family more. He wants it. He just won’t say it. Do it for him. He needs your help. Seriously, fire the crap out of him.

3. Debt Reduction

I think this resolution should be designated for the Tribune Co. Good luck with the bankruptcy and stuff.

2. Stick to a Budget

Now bear with me. I am a fan first, thus I think all teams should just spend whatever it takes to win. However, now that we have come into hard times I feel teams need to spend less and watch their budgets to at least make some money. The Bears have followed this recipe for years, while the White Sox are now just heeding this advice as they have dumped about a third of their roster this off-season. Now these teams may not make the playoffs next year, but at least they will make some money. And we all know that is what sports is all about.

Cubs: ignore this resolution.

1. Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape

This firmly applies to Bobby Jenks. Jenks has gotten bigger each year here in Chicago and inversely his fastball has lost some pop. Plus, he has been more prone to injury. He claims he is just trying to “pitch” instead of “throw” and believes he can get it up to 100 MPH whenever he wants. I, however, call BS. Lose some weight you fat tub. That goes for you as well Charlie Weis.

On the flip side, Alexei Ramirez needs to gain weight. He looks like a malnourished African you see on late night TV. Serious, Alexei, eat a sandwich.

What other resolutions should Chicago sports figures adopt in 2009?

Top Ten things the Bears should do this offseason

On one hand, I’m glad the Bears choked against the Texans and didn’t make the playoffs. For one, they would have taken a beatdown next week in Minnesota anyway. And more importantly, winning 10 games and making the playoffs may have given the organization and coaching staff a false sense of security, thinking that they are close to getting back to their 2006 Super Bowl form when they really are light years away.

Even though the Bears probably overachieved after most people pegged them for around six wins at the start of the season, let’s be honest: the immediate future doesn’t look very good. This is a team that will go into the offseason with far more questions than answers.

Everyone wants a massive overhaul, but like it or not, this is pretty much the same team that will be coming back next year, with the exception of hopefully two major acquisitions on offense (read below), and whomever they take in the draft.

Here are ten things the Bears should do this offseason if they want to have any shot of competing in the NFC North next year.

10. Re-sign Mike Brown to a one-year deal
How bad was Danieal Manning yesterday? Manning’s performance should have Jerry Angelo on Brown’s front doorstep as soon as the NFL free agency period starts on February 28. Welcoming Brown back for a 10th season is a worthwhile risk, especially when you consider that the options in-house to replace him are Manning and Craig Steltz. The market for Brown will be small, if there is one at all, and they could offer him the veteran’s minimum or load up another deal with incentives.

9. Move Brian Urlacher to strong-side linebacker
The Bears are stuck with Urlacher and the ridiculous new contract extension that he demanded and got right before training camp. It’s time to finally take Urlacher out from the middle and move him to the strong-side to take better advantage of his speed and give him more opportunities to blitz off the edge. Keep Lance Briggs at the weak-side spot, and either try Jamar Williams or Nick Roach at middle linebacker. Drafting a middle linebacker in the third round or so wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

8. Give Chris Williams every chance to earn the starting spot at left tackle
John St. Clair filled in admirably this season, but assuming Williams reports to training camp healthy, he should be the starting left tackle on opening day. That would leave St. Clair as a backup at either tackle or guard spot, where he is best suited.

7. Make Danieal Manning the full-time kick and punt returner
Let Devin Hester concentrate solely on turning into one of the better number two receivers in the league, which I think he can become. In just a handful of games, Manning showed he can be one of the league’s better returners. Like I’ve been saying the past couple weeks, Manning is the best athlete on the team, but he’s clueless on defense, so why not utilize his athleticism as much as possible? This decision should really be a no-brainer.

6. Draft a defensive end or safety with your first-round pick
Choosing a wide receiver in the first round is too risky because there isn’t much depth in this class, and the top guys should all be gone by the time the Bears pick. Someone like LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson, South Florida defensive end George Selvie or USC safety Taylor Mays would be great. With their second-round pick, then the Bears should look for a wide receiver.

5. Try to trade Rashied Davis, Mark Anderson, and Dusty Dvoracek
The Bears have a lot of depth on their defensive line, so losing either Anderson or Dvoracek wouldn’t have a major impact. Davis is an obvious candidate to go with all his dropped passes. Each has some trade value, because they all are relatively young and each has had his moments in the league. Bring back Brandon Lloyd, who was great before he got injured in week 5, and let Marcus Harrison start next to Tommie Harris. Maybe you can get a backup running back to Matt Forte or an adequate offensive guard in return.

4. Sign or trade for an elite wide receiver
If one of the following players isn’t in a Bears uniform next season, I will be pissed; Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Plaxico Buress, Braylon Edwards or Chad Johnson. I would gladly give up a first-round pick for any one of these five guys (Houshmandzadeh is the only one who is a free-agent). The Bears current group of receivers is a joke. Up until Hester’s catch at the one-yard line yesterday, the Bears had gone all season without a pass completion over 30 yards, an amazing stat when you think about it.

3. Fire Bob Babich
Only the Ravens have invested more money in their defense than the Bears, yet the Bears only ranked in the middle of the pack in total defense. You could use injuries to key players as an excuse last season, but what was the excuse this season? Babich has failed to make adjustments all year. Guys always seem to be out of position, and that’s attributable to coaching. Someone needs to take the fall for how bad the defense has been the last two years. I’m just worried Lovie doesn’t have it in him to fire his friend.

2. Fire Ron Turner
I know Turner hasn’t had a lot to work with on offense, but his play-calling in key situations this season cost the Bears. There were several games where the Bears failed to establish an identity on offense. Sure, it’s hard when you have a mediocre quarterback, no wide receivers, and a shaky offensive line, but too often Turner didn’t put the ball in the hands of his best players, Forte and Greg Olsen, when the circumstances called for it.

1. Do whatever it takes to trade for or sign Donovan McNabb (but don’t go for Matt Cassel)
This won’t be easy by any means. Considering McNabb’s popularity in Philadelphia, and the fact that Kevin Kolb is completely unproven, I have a hard time seeing the Eagles trading or releasing him since he’s still under contract with them. However, McNabb represents a serious upgrade over Kyle Orton, who failed to throw one good deep ball all season. Even though McNabb is 32 and not the player he once was, the Bears instantly become a better football team with him under center, and anyone who doesn’t agree with that assessment is totally clueless.

Top Ten Chicago sports stories of 2008

With 2008 coming to a close, everyone can agree it has been a pretty wild year for Chicago’s sports teams.

The Cubs and White Sox both gave us thrills for six months before disappointing in the playoffs, the Bears were a pleasant surprise, the Bulls were an unpleasant surprise and the Blackhawks finally appear to have turned the corner.

It was a mixed bag for the local college teams, with Northwestern football and Notre Dame basketball turning heads and Notre Dame/Illinois football making people puke. So, without further ado, here are the ten biggest sports stories from Chicago in 2008.

10. Bulls hire Vinny Del Negro
Mike D’Antoni was the Bulls first choice, but much to a lot of people’s chagrin, a deal never got done and he ended up with the Knicks. Then it appeared Doug Collins would return to coach the Bulls 20 years after he was fired. When Collins suddenly backed out, John Paxson made the surprising hire of Del Negro, who had no coaching experience and spent the previous year as an assistant to Phoenix Suns general manager Steve Kerr.

9. Emergence of guys like Floyd, Danks, Alexei, Dempster, and Soto Each of these guys played a major role in helping both Chicago baseball teams make the playoffs in the same season for the first time since 1906. Soto won NL Rookie of the Year, while Alexei finished second in the AL. Dempster was an All-Star, and Floyd and Danks combined for 29 wins and a 3.58 E.R.A., despite all three pitchers being question marks heading into spring training.

8. Bears draft Matt Forte In a great year for rookie running backs in the NFL, Forte has arguably been the most complete back, rushing for almost 1200 yards, leading the team with sixty receptions and leading all rookies with a combined 12 touchdowns. After wasting so many high draft picks on running backs who didn’t pan out (Cedric Benson, Curtis Enis, Rashaan Salaam), the Bears have finally found a long-term answer at the position.

7. Carlos Zambrano’s no-hitter In front of a pro-Cubs crowd at Miller Park, where the make-up game was played due to Hurricane Ike sweeping through Houston, Zambrano threw the Cubs’ first no-hitter in 36 years. Zambrano, pitching for the first time in two weeks after returning from a sore rotator cuff, came one walk short of a perfect game.

6. Chicago announced as one of four finalists for 2016 Summer Olympics The final decision will come in October of 2009. Tokyo and Madrid remain the two favorites however. Chicago has come up with a tentative $1.15 billion guarantee against operations, including $500 million from the city, $500 million in projected operating surplus and a $150 million pledge from the state, which has yet to be approved.

5. Charlie Weis’ struggles After back to back poor seasons, Weis was seriously on the hot seat, with about a 50/50 chance on returning to coach Notre Dame next fall. Weis has pulled in three straight top ten national recruiting classes, but his four year record of 30-21 just doesn’t cut it. Plus, that record is inflated by 10 wins in each of his first two seasons, when he won with former coach Tyrone Willingham’s recruits.

4. Blackhawks rise to prominence Credit owner Rocky Wirtz and president John McDonough for bringing the franchise back to the heights where it once resided. The Hawks have a pair of young stars in Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, proven players in Patrick Sharp, Brian Campbell, and Martin Havlat, and the franchise appears to be in great shape for the long-term future. Currently, the Blackhawks are #1 in the NHL in home attendance (ticket sales are up 300%), and people in Chicago are getting excited about hockey for the first time in a long while.

3. The Sox push to the playoffs It all came down to games 161, 162, and 163 in the Sox exciting and surprising season. Needing to beat the Indians, Tigers, and then Twins in a one-game playoff, the Sox did just that. Alexei’s grand slam against the Tigers and Danks’s masterpiece versus the Twins carried the overachieving Sox to the playoffs, where they were overmatched against Tampa Bay.

2. Bulls win the lottery and take Derrick Rose Despite finishing with only the league’s ninth worst record, the Bulls finally had something to smile about after a miserable 2007-2008 season. With only a 1.7 percent chance to win the lottery, the ping-pong balls somehow bounced the Bulls way. While some people called for Michael Beasley, drafting Rose was really a no-brainer. Not even Paxson could have messed this one up.

1. Cubs win 97 games but get swept out of playoffs For the second straight year, the Cubs were swept in the NLDS, this time by a Dodgers team that was under .500 for a good portion of the year. Whether it was Dempster’s wildness in game one, untimely errors in game 2, or the series long choke job from both Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez, the Cubs’ wait for a World Series now stretches to 101 years and counting.

Top ten Bears moments in 2008

So, somehow, the Bears season isn't over quite yet. I don't believe what I saw Monday night quite yet, either. While a Giants win over the Vikes next week is unlikely - hell, maybe so is a Bears win over the 'surging' Texans - at least there is still hope. But here at TTCS, we like to jump the gun a bit. So here are ten moments from this Bears season that will stay with us.

10. The coin flip

Lovie Smith and Ron Turner may be the only two humans in the country that needed to rely on a coin flip to determine that Rex Grossman should not touch the football.

9. Peanut's penalty

During Week Three, the Bears seemed to have stopped the Bucs deep in their own territory until Peanut Tillman bailed out Tampa with a personal foul. It led to a free first down and eventually the game-winning field goal.

8. Orton's comeback in Atlanta

It's hard to remember now, but Kyle Orton looked to have created his own little place in Bears lore against the Falcons during Week Six. Orton engineered an 11 play, 77-yard touchdown drive in 2:33 to give the Bears a lead against Atlanta. Too bad it couldn't hold...

7. Packers lay the smackdown in Lambeau

Possibly the defining game of the season for the Bears. They were riding high after wins against Minnesota and Detroit, and a narrow loss to the undefeated Titans without their starting quarterback. Orton returned, but was as ineffective as the rest of the team. The resulting blowout was really the first sign that maybe these Bears weren't anything to write home about.

6. Orton injury

Whoever thought an injury to Orton would be so damaging? The Bears quarterback hasn't been the same since he injured his ankle late in the first half against the Lions.

5. Goal line stuff against the Eagles

A quick recap:

They had second down at the 1 when Tony Hunt got tackled for no gain by Kevin Payne and Mike Brown. A leaping Buckhalter, filling in for injured Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook, then got stopped a few inches short by Adewale Ogunleye on third down. Alex Brown wouldn’t let him go over the top on the next play, dragging him down before he went to the air.

4. Resilient on Monday night

It wasn't pretty, but the Bears' Week 16 Monday night home win over the Packers was absolutely necessary. Next week, we'll see if this frustrating season ends in a playoff birth.

3. Matt Forte's coming out party

Most expected the Bears to get crushed Week One when they headed to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in the opener at their new stadium. But the Bears rookie runner stole the show on national TV, busting a 50-yard touchdown run and finishing the day with 123 yards on the ground.


2. 99-yard bomb to Berrian

Shades of Brett Favre-to-Robert Brooks? I think so. This time, however, the effect was even more damaging. The Bears stood a chance after their old friend caught a bomb from Gus Frerrotte. The division may have well been decided right there.

1. Squib kick in Atlanta

It's all Jerious Norwood's fault. Had the Falcons returner not busted a long kick off return in his previous attempt, it's a good bet Lovie Smith never goes for a squib. Because of it, a certain win in Atlanta turned into a devastating loss, and it may have cost the Bears a trip to the playoffs.

Top Ten notes/moments from Bears vs. Packers game

Holy hell. This game was unreal. The Bears were outplayed by the Packers for most of the game, out gained 325 to 210 and still were able to pull through. This was the first game I took notes on every play and I am glad I did. Because this game was literally the end all be all for the Bears and went to overtime, I added an extra five notes/moments to today’s Top Ten list, making it TTCS first Top Fifteen list… kind of.

10. Soft pass D

The Bears were once again vulnerable in the pass game. Aaron Rodgers threw for 260 yards and two TDs. It seems that Babich has not made the proper adjustments and any QB will pick apart the Bears secondary. On a positive note, Corey Graham didn’t suck. In fact, he broke up two deep passes.

9. Squib kick/pooch kick mess

I still do not get this move, especially after the mess it caused in the Falcons game. I know the wind was bad, but the only two times the Bears played it cute on the kickoff, it led to amazing field position for the Packers. One led to a touchdown when an up-man took the squib kick to the forty and the other should have led to the Packers game winning field goal…. Lovie definitely owes Alex Brown a Christmas bonus.

8. Blitz was affective

Recently the Bears have been criticized for blitzing without results. Tonight was different. Even thought the Bears did not sack Rodgers, they still provided pressure on him and the Pack’s running backs that led to incompletion and losses in the run game. I was happy to see the Bears D actually supply the heat necessary to defend their defensive strategy.

7. Good run D

Just as the Bears can’t stop the pass, they continued to show they are solid against the run. The Pack only rushed for 65 yards, averaging 2.2-yards per carry. This also forced Green Bay into the Bears biggest weakness – their pass defense. I love that the Bears make teams one-dimensional on offense, but if they literally cannot stop that dimension, then what is the point?

6. The Mike Brown story

So Brown is hurt again. Surprised? Me either. It is true that Brown is a step slower this year, but he still can lay out a receiver or tailback better than anyone in the NFL, just ask Ryan Grant. Unfortunately, Brown’s backup is Craig Steltz. Now, the former LSU safety may develop into a quality player, but right now he is over his head physically, as we found out when he was run over by Grant leading to Green Bay’s second TD. I hope for the Bears secondary that Brown will be fine for next week.

5. Bears O-line was brutal

As usual the Bear line was overwhelmed. Some of this had to do with the Packers secondary giving the front four time to rush Orton, but a lot of it had to do with poor blocking by the line. Orton had no time in the pocket and it resulted in three sacks and some poor passes by the Bears QB. Furthermore, until the fourth quarter and in overtime the line could not give the Bears running backs any holes to run through. I think this upsets me the most when I watch the Bears. Just do your effing job.

4. Maynard is the man

In terrible conditions, Maynard was awesome. He put three kicks inside the 20 (one was run into the end zone by a Bear’s player) and averaged over 45-yards a punt. His long was 65-yards. I think Maynard is one of the biggest reasons the Bears are usually in almost every game. He puts teams in bad field position with his kicks and is considered one of the best directional kickers of all time. Brad = the man.

3. Daniel Manning is Greek god; Hester just Greek

Pretty much the only reason the Bears won was because of D-Manning’s kick return and defensive play. His 70-yard kickoff return led to the first Bears touchdown and the pressure he got on Rodgers was almost the only heat the Packer QB felt. His tipped ball even led to Rodgers' only pick.

On the other hand, Hester was ok. In his final return and second longest return of the year (23-yards), Hester finally did not hesitate and look for a hole; instead he hit it hard and just let it happen. I hope he will take that into next week and hopefully break out BIG against the Texans.

2. No pressure without blitz

It was very, very sad to watch as Rodgers had all effing day to throw the ball when the Bears only rushed four. A few times Tommie Harris got into to the backfield, but not nearly enough. Even if the Bears do make the playoffs, they will go nowhere if they cannot get pressure on the QB when they drop into a traditional cover two and rush only four. This is the biggest reason they have struggled this year in the pass game and something needs to change. However, they did show some success with stunts late in the game. Maybe the Bears need to use untraditional moves like that or drop a DE and blitz a LB in order to change it up a bit and confuse the QB.

1. Alex Brown’s white-gloved hand

Brown is probably one of the most versatile DEs in the league. He is good in all aspects of the game and his huge handedness has now become his best trait as he saved the Bears season by blocking Mason Crosby’s 38-yard field goal attempt. PS he also had an interception and two tackles. I think Mark Anderson has officially given up.

Top Five Overtime Moments
5. Urlacher’s helmet saves Bears season
4. Horse collar rule is sweet
3. AJ Hawk falls down and reminds us why OSU is a terrible place
2. Forte holds onto the ball
1. Robbie Gould puts it away

Also, as I have promised here is the best comment making fun of me from my post last week by TTCS’s own Ricky O’Donnell:

The #1 moment of this party will be when Pete shows up. First, there will be a cordial greeting between he and Dubs, everything will be running smooth. But after a few Ginger Ale w/ cherry juice's, Dubs starts to get mouthy, as always, and begins to make fun of Pete for his incredibly lame AIM screen name (peaches054?).

After five minutes of sitting on his anger, Pete tells Dubs he will "straighten his head out", and Dubs, never one to back down from a fight against a guy approximately eleven times his size, agrees. The ensuing one sided slug fest leaves Dubs a bloody mess on the ground, and right before he passes we hear him say, "my....my...my...trust funnnndddddddddd."

/end scene

Thanks, buddy!

Top Ten most loyal Chicago athletes

Well Mass Hysteria took over the site last Friday and in the process, showed all of us Chicago fans up. Boston won, though to nobodies surprise, and they could/should have just skipped the whole "list" process and gone to the main reason; The Celts are significantly better than the Bulls. But they did a fantastic job in the process, so thanks guys.

Anyway onto my list. Every fan loves the loyal athlete, the one who has been around for years and has no desire to leave. Below are a few athletes; some present, many from the past who are always remembered for being there for their team and their fans.

10. Ozzie Guillen
This might come as a shocker to some, but I feel Ozzie acts how he acts and demands the best out of his players because he does not want to disappoint anyone, including his fans. He respects Reinsdorf and his relationship with Kenny Williams is one of the best manager/GMs in baseball.

9. Paul Konerko
While he might be on the way out via trade, Paulie is one of those guys who will live in Sox folklore forever. After an impressive 2005 season, which included a monstrous World Series in a contract year, the Angels were willing to pay roughly another $5-10 million for the same amount of seasons and turned it down to stay on the South side. While he had a disappointing 2008, it is hard to ever get upset with his play.

8. Scottie Pippen
"No tip Pip" was not one more liked guys off the court as the nickname signifies. But after constant feuds with Jerry Krause about contract situations (where he was continuously given the shaft), the last place people thought he would want to finish out his illustrious career would be in Chicago. But after Krause was shown the door Scottie made a return to the Bulls in the 2003-04 season shortly before retiring.

7. Chris Zorich
The Chicago-born Zorich excelled at Vocational on Chicago's South side. He stayed in the area and chose Notre Dame where he was moved to the inside of the line. But it was when he was a member of the Bears that a true sense of loyalty showed. Nobody played harder on the field and off the field he is considered a one of the nicest guys, continuously giving money to those in need.

6. Harold Baines
Baines came back to Chicago on multiple accounts, the city he felt most at home. He was traded in 1989 for Wilson Alverez and Sammy Sosa and had no hard feelings. In exchange the Sox retired his number later in the season. He returned to the Sox in 1996 from Baltimore and again in 2000 from Cleveland. Probably the greatest Baines moment was when he was commemorated with a statue in center field earlier this season, where he broke down in appreciation, feeling that this was comparable to making the Hall of Fame.

5. Walter Payton
Nobody gave it up more on the field than Sweetness. The greatest running back in the history of football spent his entire career as a Bear. His family still raises money for Cancer research. The Soldier Field ceremony after his death in 1999 was one of the most emotional moments in sports history.

4. Ryne Sandberg
One of the greatest second-basemen in history, Ryno was always liked by fans. What makes Sandberg so loyal is that instead of getting a higher coaching position pretty much anywhere else, Sandberg opted to manage Class-A Peoria so he could stay in the organization. While he recently had problems including a brawl this Summer, Sandberg could eventually become manager of the team that gave him the fame.

3. Mike Ditka
Da Coach is maybe the most beloved man in sports in Chicago history. His brash demeanor symbolizes the city. But Iron Mike shows his loyalty every Sunday during the football season, when on Sunday Countdown, he chooses the Bears over whoever the opponent may be. Ditka has been affiliated with multiple fundraisers.

2. Ron Santo
All jokes aside, nobody shows more loyalty to the Cubs than #10. While actually finding out what is occurring in the game might be difficult by color commentary, his pleasure or displeasure towards a particular play typically sum up what is going on. After all, Santo still cries when discussing the fallout of the 1969 season. I have said this before on the site that I have never heard more excitement than Ron explaining the final out of the 2008 NL Central clincher than simply yelling "YES" as loud as he could.

1. Denis Savard
The epitome of loyalty. Dennis Savard is one of the most appreciated Blackhawk of all-time. After playing in Chicago in the 1980's, he returned to the squad in the mid-90's to finish his career as a Hawk after a few seasons in Montreal and Tampa. That alone would have put him on this list. After two rebuilding season in 06-07 and 07-08, he was fired before he got a chance to take this promising team to a playoff spot. But Denis did not seem too upset and gladly took the Blackhawks ambassador position he was given. The fact that he has no hard feelings is probably what made him the most loyal athlete in Chicago history.

Top Ten Reasons the Celtics will beat the Bulls tonight

Edit Note: About a week ago GHABBY over at Mass Hysteria approached me about doing a Top Ten list about the Celts/Bulls game tonight. At first I was hesitant, because he is a horrible person, but eventually I agreed to his request. Here is his best take at a Top Ten list. I am sorry. Do not worry, we got our revenge.

I generally have had little quarrel with the fine city of Chicago over my years. You gave this world Vince Vaughn and Bill Murray, Hugh Hefner and Kanye West, John Cusack and Billy Corgan. Colt Cabana, Matt Classic and Scotty Goldman are my three favorite wrestlers. And seriously guys, we really couldn't thank you enough for that Obama guy. Props on that dude.

But when it comes to sports, general awesomeness, and specifically tonight's epic battle between the Celtics and Bulls, Boston has it all over Chicago. So in the fine tradition of your grand website (and as a cheap plug for mine), I present to you, the Top Ten Reasons the Celtics will beat the Bulls tonight:

10. As revenge for Super Bowl XX

What, you don't think we forgot, did you? How many Super Bowls have you won since the "Shufflin Crew?" Oh, none? That's too bad, really. No, I'm really sorry. I feel just awful. That must be so hard for you. Our football team? Just three Super Bowl rings since then, one perfect season, and five Super Bowl appearances. Oh, and two World Series rings and one NBA Championship too for our other teams. Speaking of, how are those Cubbies doing? Still haven't won? Like at all? Aw, that's a shame, good luck to you guys, really.

9. Kevin Garnett

He strikes fear into the heart of Freddy Krueger. He spooked Saddam Hussein out of his underground lair. He once shot a cursory glance at Ben Bernanke, and the economy has never been the same. He can make Randy Couture tap out by using only mind and two small tendons in his left pinkie. He once pounded his chest and it caused a tidal wave in China. Simply put, Kevin Garnett (the pride of your Farragut Academy) simply wills things to happen, and he has willed the Celtics not to lose, ever this season. The world, frightened by the intensity of this great man, has yet to argue otherwise.

8. Non-regional diction

Our accents, while considered obnoxious by some, at least have some semblance of character. I can tell immediately if someone is from the Cape or the North Shore, from Everett or Melrose, from Southie or Springfield. You, meanwhile, all sound like you're trying out for the Channel 7 newscast.

7. Our Point Guard is better than your Point Guard

Yeah, I said it. For all of your "Derrick Rose for ROY" and "Derrick Rose is the next Chris Paul" talk, right now, your hometown prodigy isn't the player that our fourth-best offensive option is. Eventually, he might (and probably will) be, but for now, I'd take Rondo over Rose. Rajon has been developing like Topanga this season, and has shut down the likes of Deron Williams, Allen Iverson, and Brandon Roy this season. Pardon me if I'm none too worried about a point who just got outplayed by D.J. Augustin .

6. Chicago is where Gators go to die

As often voiced at Mass Hysteria, I love my Florida Gators more than should be legally allowed, to the point where, when asked by my girlfriend if I loved her more than Tim Tebow, I responded "well honey, you don't have a Heisman, now do you?" That said, I can recognize that Chicago is where Gators go to die. Rex Grossman. Joakim Noah. Chris Leak. That Football Coach Who Shall Not Be Named. Please, please don't end up drafting Brandon Spikes or Percy Harvin this year and ruin them too, okay?

5. Drew Gooden's beard

Unholy, unwieldy and unkempt. Nothing that even looks remotely like this should be associated with a victory of any kind.

4. Superior Beer

Boston gave this world Sam Adams beer, and God saw that it was good. And then He gave us Harpoon and Ipswich Ale and Magic Hat and even Woodchuck Cider for those of us sans pancrei who therefore must drink high-alcohol, low carbohydrate beverages to get our drank on. All of which are brewed in the greater New England area, whereas Chicago has…Schlitz? Really? That's it?

3. Kiss the Rings, biotches

Seventeen to six. Did you realize that nearly one out of every four NBA Championships has been won by the Celtics? I sure do! And most of ours came at a time when Men were Men and no one guarded Wilt out of fear of catching VD. Our legendary coach smoked cigars and ate Chinese Food, while yours handed out self-help books and grew out his soul patch. Also, none of our championships involved Dennis Rodman, Will Perdue or Scottie Pippen's nose, which somehow points in all four cardinal directions. Oh, and while you were waiting on bouncing lottery balls last summer, we were winning Yet Another Championship. History, both ancient and recent, is on the C's side.

2. Middle Child Syndrome

I saved #2 for the self-admitted "Second City." It's like your entire city shares a deep-seeded inferiority complex and an unhealthy collective Daddy Issue when compared to New York, something which I as a Bostonian can't possibly fathom. We take great pride in expressing our superiority over NYC at every turn. Our colleges and universities are better. Our food and drink is more tasty. Our politicians are more fantastically corrupt. Our public transportation system is less complicated. We didn't kill all of our homeless people like Giuliani did. In fact, if anyone dare compares us to New Yorkers, be they our men or women, they often walk away with a broken orbital bone. Oh, and our "First" city, um, started America and stuff, so, like, you're welcome.

1. 24-2

Let me repeat that, for it bears repeating. Twenty-four wins, two losses. That's a .923 winning percentage. A 16-game winning streak. A bench deeper than the Mariana Trench. The indomitable will of Paul Pierce. KG. Leon Powe's overwhelming Leon Powe-ness. Ray Allen's silky-smooth jumper. I mean, seriously, you don't really expect to win tonight, do you?

Top Ten Most Despised Green Bay Packers

Bears. Packers.

This Monday night.

What better time to unveil our Top Ten Most Despised Green Bay Packers Players list.

Thought you'd like it.

10. Clarke Hinkle

The arch-nemesis of Bears legend Bronco Nagurski was Packers fullback Clarke Hinkle. Back in 1933, the pair collided and left the crowd silent as they both fell to the ground.

Nagurski was left with a broken nose and completely unconscious.

Nobody makes the Bears bleed their own blood. (Movie? Anyone?)

9. Jim McMahon

How dare you don the green and gold. You are dead in my eyes.

8. Ken Stills

In the same game back in 1985, Packers safety Ken Stills absolutely destroyed Jim McMahon on a block after a Walter Payton fumble and then proceeded to get a personal foul after nearly knocking an already out of bounds Matt Suhey into the stands.

7. Vince Lombardi

Now you can look back fondly upon one of the most revered coaches of all time.

But try to put yourself in the shoes of the casual fan back in the 1960's. Can you imagine the feelings you'd have towards a man that coached the Packers to victories in both Super Bowl I and II?

6. Sterling Sharpe

He was arrogant, overrated and loathed by the Chicago faithful. Sure, he made some tough grabs in his time, but succumbing to turf toe isn't really a testament to your toughness.

Poor big toe.

5. Paul Hornung

'The Golden Boy' was certainly a thorn in the sides of Bears fans during his careers. His career highlights include four league championships, Hall of Fame honors and in 1965, scored a then team-record five touchdowns against he Baltimore Colts.

That record was eclipsed the very same day by a man known simply as the 'Kansas Comet', who scored six. (Gayle Sayers for those of you who didn't know)

4. Brett Favre

Now that he's out of Green Bay, Bears fans can openly speak of the respect they have for one of the game's greatest quarterbacks.

But throughout his 16 years with the Pack, Favre was a constant tormentor of the Bears and flat out owned us.

3. Ray Nitschke

Always complaining about the media making everyone believe that Dick Butkus was a better linebacker than him.

Um, Ray? I'll let you on a little secret.

They're right.

2. Forrest Gregg

The most hated coach in Packers history, by far.

He engineered a Packers defense that was comprised of nothing more than cheap headhunters that didn't give a damn about wins and losses.

He didn't even deserve to step on the same field with a man like Walter Payton. Ditka hated him back from their playing days and not once did Chicago flinch in their outright hatred for this man.

1. Charles Martin

The man who wrote down his personal hit list on a towel he wore during games. Guess who was on it? Just about every Bear that had robbed him of any personal pride or belief that at one time he'd actually amount to something in the NFL.

In one of the most classless and disturbing moments in league history, Martin body slammed Jim McMahon to the ground after the whistle had blown in 1986 and separated the Punky QB's shoulder, ending his season.